Best Things to Do in Somerset, SouthWest England

Bath, Wells, Exmoor, Glastonbury, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole & More

Nov 6, 2009

Somerset in SouthWest England has lots of good things to do and places to visit including Bath, Wells, Exmoor, Glastonbury, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, and Minehead.

Somerset and Dorset are the two little brothers of England's SouthWest region, compared to the better-known Devon and Cornwall, but both counties have plenty of top things to do. In Somerset there is everything from the New Age aura of Glastonbury, with its Tor, Abbey, and annual Glastonbury Festival, through to traditional seaside resorts such as Minehead. There is the wilderness and the walks on the Exmoor National Park, and cities such as Bath and Wells to explore.

Some of the best things to do in Somerset (strictly in alphabetical order) include

Bath

Undoubtedly one of England's most beautiful cities, with plenty to tempt the visitor including its magnificent architecture, Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Jane Austen Center and much more. In fact here are the Ten Best Things to Do in Bath and Ten Budget Bath Travel Tips.

Cheddar Gorge and Caves

Cheddar Gorge is one of the most impressive and surprising sights in England, being the biggest gorge in England and rising to a height of 450ft above the road that runs through it. Here too is the network of Cheddar Caves, one of England's finest systems of show caves open to the public.

Exmoor

Exmoor National Park is partly in Devon but mostly in Somerset, and is a wonderful place to go hiking and cycling, and generally enjoy the great outdoors. The Exmoor Ponies are also a big attraction, roaming free across the Exmoor moorland and hills.

Glastonbury

The town of Glastonbury is another place where it would be easy to spend a full day out. Climbing to the top of Glastonbury Tor provides great views, while Glastonbury Abbey, the Chalice Well and Gardens, and several small museums in and around the town are all good reasons for visiting.

Minehead

Minehead is on the edge of the Exmoor National park but the two places could hardly be more different. The Park is the place to try to escape the crowds, but Minehead has all the crowds and fun of the typical English seaside resort. Attractions include things like a holiday camp, fun fair, sailing and surfing activities, amusement arcades, and some attractive gardens much enjoyed by the older holidaymakers who still flock to Minehead.

Wells

Wells is renowned as the smallest city in England, only warranting the name of 'city' because it has a cathedral. But what a cathedral it is, dating back to the 12th century and quite spectacular. The city's other main attraction is the nearby 13th-century Bishop's Palace, equally splendid in its own way, and the two together, along with Wells's undoubted charm, make it an essential place to visit while in Somerset.

Wookey Hole

An underground lake is one of the highlights of this series of underground chambers, which can be visited on a guided tour. There are other attractions here too including an old-fashioned Penny Arcade, making for a good family day (or half-day) out and definitely one of the best things to do in Somerset.